Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS - (News Release) Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division dismantled another illicit gambling operation Monday, October 28th, serving a search warrant at the Prime-Time Game Room in the 5100 block of Oakhurst drive. The search warrant was the conclusion of a months-long investigation into the business that, once again, uncovered evidence of continued illegal gambling. During Monday’s operation, Detectives found and seized multiple illegal gambling devices and over $144,000 in cash. Seven employees were arrested and charged with gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of a gambling device, and engaging in organized criminal activity. Engaging in organized criminal activity is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine, while the other three charges are class A misdemeanors. 22 adult patrons inside the game room were cited for gambling, a class C misdemeanor. NVID had previously raided the same location in April of 2023.

This investigation continues, and additional charges and arrests are possible. The Corpus Christi Police Department reminds citizens that game rooms which pay out cash rewards are engaging in illegal gambling. Patrons as well as the management of these establishments may face criminal charges.

NVID Detectives were assisted in the operation by officers with the CCPD Operations Division, as well as investigators with the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office, which regulates coin operated machines. No coin operated machine violations were found.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues to collaborate with our local state and federal partners to investigate and combat illegal gambling. Investigators will continue to enforce all Texas gambling laws, which will help accomplish our mission to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and to improve the quality of life in our community.